Doc Alan
2nd July 2012, 20:13
This is an issue which is likely to get worse with an ageing population – although most global blindness and impaired vision can be prevented or cured, given the resources. Failure to invest in early detection and treatment means increased spending later on health, social care, education, training and support … or blindness. Individuals – and governments – can surely see that coming.
• Everyone should have their eyes tested at least once every two years. An eye examination can not only pick up treatable local conditions but also detect changes such as high blood pressure – before there are any symptoms. In the UK eye tests are free for many ( under 16, under 19 in full-time education, over 60, diabetic, eye conditions in your family ). You may otherwise have to pay for a private sight test in UK or Philippines – the cost varies.
• It’s worth noting that glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses should have built-in UV protection. Also, a healthy diet ( including foods containing sufficient vitamins A and C, lutein, and omega 3 ) is not only good for general health - it reduces the chances of eye disease.
• There are both similarities and differences in causes of impaired vision between UK and Philippines.
• Childhood blindness is commoner in Philippines, yet many are treatable or preventable. Poor nutrition ( Vitamin A deficiency ), and measles may cause corneal scarring or cataracts, if supplements or vaccination are not available ; prematurity may cause abnormal blood vessels and scarring in the retina.
• Trachoma ( caused by a chlamydia ) is a worldwide problem, transmitted through dirty hands, towels and flies, which affects eyelids and corneas. It exists in Philippines but is commoner elsewhere, being preventable and treatable ( “ SAFE “ = lid Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental changes ).
• Cataracts ( clouding of the lens ) are important causes of poor vision, and over half of world blindness – significant in both UK and Philippines. Cases are increasing as people live longer. Risk factors include smoking, UV light, diabetes and obesity. Treatment is by surgery – for as little as £ 20, but shamefully unavailable to millions of people who could be cured - or laser.
• Glaucoma is also common in both countries – it’s genetic, with no early symptoms, due to high pressure within the eyes damaging the optic nerve, and treatable medically or surgically if diagnosed early.
• Diabetic eye disease – retinopathy – can be partly prevented and treated. Diabetes is common in both countries. Risk factors include duration of diabetes and high blood pressure. Eye screening at least once a year is recommended.
• Age Related Macular Degeneration - since it involves the central part of the retina, the central field of vision is affected. Risk factors include smoking, poor diet and old age. Major worldwide cause of blindness, relatively commoner in UK. Treatment may include drugs, lasers, and surgery.
• Myopia ( short sightedness ) – and other “ refractive errors “ – could be treated with spectacles or contact lenses, sadly not available to many in the Philippines and elsewhere. It has emerged as a major health issue in east Asian cities – it’s been suggested that the increasing frequency is due to life-style changes such as educational pressures, and spending less time out of doors.
• There are other emerging eye problems such as “ dry eye syndrome “ from prolonged close work such as gazing at computer screens, central heating or air conditioning, wind, smoke, hay fever, and medical side effects. Safety goggles, humidifiers, and antihistamines may help.
• Everyone should have their eyes tested at least once every two years. An eye examination can not only pick up treatable local conditions but also detect changes such as high blood pressure – before there are any symptoms. In the UK eye tests are free for many ( under 16, under 19 in full-time education, over 60, diabetic, eye conditions in your family ). You may otherwise have to pay for a private sight test in UK or Philippines – the cost varies.
• It’s worth noting that glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses should have built-in UV protection. Also, a healthy diet ( including foods containing sufficient vitamins A and C, lutein, and omega 3 ) is not only good for general health - it reduces the chances of eye disease.
• There are both similarities and differences in causes of impaired vision between UK and Philippines.
• Childhood blindness is commoner in Philippines, yet many are treatable or preventable. Poor nutrition ( Vitamin A deficiency ), and measles may cause corneal scarring or cataracts, if supplements or vaccination are not available ; prematurity may cause abnormal blood vessels and scarring in the retina.
• Trachoma ( caused by a chlamydia ) is a worldwide problem, transmitted through dirty hands, towels and flies, which affects eyelids and corneas. It exists in Philippines but is commoner elsewhere, being preventable and treatable ( “ SAFE “ = lid Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental changes ).
• Cataracts ( clouding of the lens ) are important causes of poor vision, and over half of world blindness – significant in both UK and Philippines. Cases are increasing as people live longer. Risk factors include smoking, UV light, diabetes and obesity. Treatment is by surgery – for as little as £ 20, but shamefully unavailable to millions of people who could be cured - or laser.
• Glaucoma is also common in both countries – it’s genetic, with no early symptoms, due to high pressure within the eyes damaging the optic nerve, and treatable medically or surgically if diagnosed early.
• Diabetic eye disease – retinopathy – can be partly prevented and treated. Diabetes is common in both countries. Risk factors include duration of diabetes and high blood pressure. Eye screening at least once a year is recommended.
• Age Related Macular Degeneration - since it involves the central part of the retina, the central field of vision is affected. Risk factors include smoking, poor diet and old age. Major worldwide cause of blindness, relatively commoner in UK. Treatment may include drugs, lasers, and surgery.
• Myopia ( short sightedness ) – and other “ refractive errors “ – could be treated with spectacles or contact lenses, sadly not available to many in the Philippines and elsewhere. It has emerged as a major health issue in east Asian cities – it’s been suggested that the increasing frequency is due to life-style changes such as educational pressures, and spending less time out of doors.
• There are other emerging eye problems such as “ dry eye syndrome “ from prolonged close work such as gazing at computer screens, central heating or air conditioning, wind, smoke, hay fever, and medical side effects. Safety goggles, humidifiers, and antihistamines may help.